Common name: willow gentian

Family name: Gentianaceae

Description: Graceful arching stems grow to about 60cm and form a loose mound. Striking blue, bell-shaped flowers appear down the centre of each stem and are complemented by blue-black, pointed buds and lanceolate, green leaves.

Flower: Three week of bloom in mid summer. Blue, bell shaped flowers and dark, almost black, pointed buds.

Foliage: Willow-like lanceolate leaves that are darker when the plant is flourishing.

Growing conditions: Part sun to light or open shade; regular moisture, prefers moist, rich soil. Not great out in open conditions; prefers some protection.

Height and spread: 0.61m by 0.76m

Limitations: Needs a moist site, so cannot be used in unirrigated landscapes that tend to dry out in Vancouver’s droughty summers.

Landscape uses: Among one of the easiest gentians to grow. The blue-black pointed buds of this plant are very striking and it would combine well with Salvia guaranitica, and various ferns.